BYD Han EV: the Chinese rival to the Tesla Model 3 arriving in Europe

One of China’s leading electric car technology giants, BYD, has unveiled its new saloon for the premium segment. It is called the BYD Han EV, and it aims squarely at the heart of the electric saloon market dominated by the Tesla, such as the successful Model 3, which has just overtaken the Nissan Leaf as the best-selling electric car in history.

Electric technology without “Chinese tales”

BYD insists that the Han EV is aimed at the luxury saloon segment. And to get in here you have to play all your cards. In the case of the Chinese manufacturer, its ace up the sleeve is the new “Blade Battery” technology that will debut in the Han EV. The promises are greater capacity for a longer range and, above all, a design that makes it practically indestructible.

They do not give many details, but they do offer some relevant performance figures. For example, a high-performance electric motor is announced that will allow the Han EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. And the battery will provide a range of 605 km, but on the NEDC cycle. This means that on the WLTP homologation cycle it will easily be clearly above 500 km.

Other details that make it clear that BYD is serious are the use – for the first time in a mass-produced car made in China – of the Bosch IPB intelligent integrated braking system. Or the “DiPilot” intelligent driving assistance technology, based on self-learning capabilities and the possibilities of 5G technology.

Designed with Europe in mind

They also insist that BYD has designed the Han EV taking into account the tastes and quality standards that prevail in the European luxury saloon segment.

“The electric platform, battery technology and design make the Han EV the safest electric car on the market, combining the best of Eastern wisdom and Western aesthetics.” Yubo Lian, Vice President of BYD.

For the time being there is no data on the exterior dimensions or boot capacity, and only a couple of images have been revealed. Enough to confirm the inspiration from the Model 3, both in the exterior line and in the dashboard design, dominated by a huge screen. As for the bodywork, it features the classic three-box saloon styling, with a certain coupé-like air.

Price of the BYD Han EV

BYD is still carrying out market studies for the introduction of the Han EV in Europe. It will first go on sale in China in mid-year.

The brand is targeting a price for the European market between 45,000 and 55,000 euros, which makes it very clear that one of the rivals in its sights is the Tesla Model 3, which costs close to 50,000 euros in Spain.